MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- In today's world service members have daily interaction with computers. Whether they work behind a desk or in the field, computers are a key element in conducting the Marine Corps' mission.
To satisfy the needs here at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, the Information Systems Management Office runs all computer, Internet and networking systems for more than 4,000 Marine, Navy, contractor and civilian users every day of the year.
Sgt. Derrik Haley, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of ISMO's Information Technology Systems Support unit, runs the help desk and has 10 Marines under his command. The help desk's mission is to keep all computers, networks and communications on Station running and accessible to users.
These computer-literate devil dogs who work at the help desk are required to attend an eight-week course at the Marine Corps' Communications and Electronics School in Twenty nine Palms, Calif., before earning the right to work in the 4066 job field.
After graduating, they are skilled and knowledgeable in operating systems, the basics of networking and the installation of hardware and software.
"I really like my job. It's an ever changing field and has a lot of applications outside the military," said Lance Cpl. Star Pattison, computer technician at ISMO.
Here at Iwakuni the help desk is in charge of keeping all the communication systems on Station up and running. They stay on top of this hectic task by using an organized system.
If any Department of Defense user aboard the Station is having a problem, they can contact their company's Information Systems Coordinator who will then call the help desk with any questions.
The help desk handles more than 30 service calls on a daily basis. Depending on the complexity of the problem, the Marines will use a computer-supported database to trouble shoot the problem over the phone and walk the user through the repair.
If the computer requires some hands on repair or maintenance, a Marine at the service desk fills out a request for a house call.
"The request system is efficient," said Pattison. "It's first come, first serve."
Once the request is processed, a Marine will go to perform a diagnostic test on site. More than half of the daily calls end up with ISMO the Marines going to the user and getting hands on with the problem.
If it can't be fixed on site it will be taken back to ISMO for evaluation where the necessary tools or keystrokes are applied. The work is usually performed within a 24-hour turn around period. "We strive for a fast response and user satisfaction," said Haley.
"I like my job. It is challenging because no matter what the problem is we have to find a way to fix it," said Lance Cpl. Luke Cloud, computer technician at ISMO.
"I learn from the Marines I work with all the time," said Pattison. "Each of has specialties but we also have to stay abreast of new technology."
The Marines try to keep the Station up to date by using commercial software to replace the aging programs.
"Because of ever-changing technology at a quickening pace, sometimes this is a thankless job," said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Hosee, operations chief at ISMO. "The Marines don't mind and take a large amount of pride in what they do."
"Communications are essential in mission accomplishment to every unit aboard this Station," said Cloud. "If people can't talk, things don't get done."